Sabbath Share - Desires dictate all other decisions....

Recently at the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Dallin H. Oakes said this, " Desires dictate our priorities, priorities shape our choices, and choices determine our actions." It has become clear to me that my children do see the reason for choices I've made over the years, and why I've tried to correct mistakes when possible and not redo the things that I know lead to misery instead of happiness. I can also see that they have a testimony, whether they realize it or not. I was lamenting to my youngest the fact that going to Alaska always seems to be a priority to my children and that I wished for once that some of my children gave me more priority. I try to not to put them on a guilt trip or get into the tug of war game that divorced parents can get into with their adult children but I felt it was time to speak up and see what the results were. So she tells me that she and her siblings know I will always be around for them, but with their Dad, he may go soon. He recently had a stroke and is still doing things that go against his doctors advice regarding his health issues. I asked her how she knew I would always be around and she said that she was talking with her brother or sister about the situation and they brought up my patriarchal blessing and how it says that if I'm trying to do as I should I will live a long time as she put it. Those aren't the exact words in the blessing, but you get the gist. It took me by surprise to say the least!
My desire has always been to have an eternal family. It took me awhile to fully understand the importance of following certain doctrines and commandments set by God to achieve that goal. I've made my share of poor decisions over the years, partly due to feelings of unworthiness regarding Heavenly Father and the Saviors love, but through trial and error, a lot of error, I'm heading in a better direction because I love my children and grandchildren enough.
I'm grateful to know that families can be together forever. I know I've said that over and over again, but with our recent visit to Arizona, and the heart rending goodbyes we have to make after a visit with our grandson and mommy, it's so comforting to know that no matter what happens we will see each other again some day, and if we obey the commandments, there will come a time when we don't ever have to say goodbye again. Won't that be wonderful??? I know that some folks don't even try because they think they can never make it, but I'm here to tell you that if I can make it anyone can! If we are honestly doing our best, the Savior has made up the gap for us.  That's also very comforting as I know I will never be perfect in this life. I'm very lousy at setting goals, so I think I will type up and print off the quote from Elder Oakes to remind me every day to keep my eyes and heart set on the right desires.
What are your desires?

New Goals.....

Aaaaawwww, aren't they cute? So soft, cuddly and tiny! They have nothing to do with this post, but I wanted a picture to share with you so I put up one of my paintings.

I had some good thoughts I wanted to share earlier, but they drifted away on the path that all good thoughts often go, getting lost among the tasks of the day, or, in my case in the fog of my brain....lol. I'll be so glad when my sinuses are healed. We set a goal this morning to read the scriptures together. I asked Kent when we should do this and he said we could read in the morning right after breakfast, and wouldn't you know it, we didn't do it! We have a serious family matter that has weighed heavily on my mind and that got in the way of my reminding him. I will get him to read though. Another goal we have is to stop being so negative. It's such a disease, and so non-productive! I'm sure that if we heard all the negative remarks about us, we would be totally crushed, so I think about that whenever an incident comes up that I'm thinking of sharing, or even a news story that irks me. And, while my inclination is to rant about what is going on in the U.S. today, it won't help, so I'm trying to learn to be pro-active. So let me ask you this, what are you doing to be prepared for what is coming with the economy and so forth? Are you planning a garden this year? Are you looking for ways to save money or cut back? What are you doing? Me, I will be going through the seed catalog and ordering seeds this week. I will be planting tomato seeds, and perhaps peppers and squash. I will be putting out pea seeds, in the garden, and maybe even some carrots and garlic.
Here's another recipe that I put together for a soup I was asked to make for our District Conference. It's very yummy if I do say so myself so give it a try!

Red Lentil and Wheat Berry Soup
2 c. cooked wheat berries - 1 c. dried red lentils,rinsed - 8 c. water
1 ham hock - 3 slices bacon, chopped - 1 onion, chopped - 1 large carrot, scrubbed or peeled, thinly sliced - 1 cup fresh sliced mushrooms -
1 1/2 c. chopped celery - 3 c. chopped cabbage - 3 cloves garlic, minced
1 16 oz. can stewed tomatoes - 1-8 oz. can tomato sauce - 4 chicken bullion cubes
1 bay leaf - 1 T. cumin powder - 1/2 t. red chili flakes
Seasoning salt to taste - 1/2 t. pepper - 1 cooked potato, cubed

Saute bacon, onion, garlic, celery and cabbage in a large pot until veggies are tender. Combine the rest of the ingredients in the pot and simmer slowly, covered, until lentils are cooked. Remove ham hock and serve hot. Serves 10-12.
If you want you can add some Garam Masala for a nice East Indian flare. This is a nice, healthy soup without much meat that can be adapted to whatever your family preferences are. Enjoy!